Lee's stellar pitching lifts Texas, but free agency is looming  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — As the Texas Rangers convened behind closed clubhouse doors July 9, manager Ron Washington announced to his players the move that forever changed the franchise.  —  “We have traded,” Washington said, “for Cliff Lee.”

Tragedy  —  My favorite part about sitting in the Yankee Stadium press box is getting the chance to watch Bill Shannon, the official scorer, in action.  Shannon, who for years was the head of public relations at MSG, was ripped out of the pages of Damon Runyon.

Nats to unveil uniform changes Nov. 10  —  After months of rumors and speculation, the Nats are set to unveil significant changes to their uniforms on Nov. 10 at Nats Park.  The team will hold a fashion show event at the stadium, and will show off at least three styles of uniforms.

Baseball union head says players open to expanding playoffs  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Baseball's playoffs could be expanding in two years.  —  The new head of the players' union says his members are open to adding more wild-card teams for 2012 and possibly extending the division series to a best-of-seven.

Jon Daniels out of Mets' plans for next GM, will decide between Sandy Alderson and Josh Byrnes  —  Texas Rangers general manager and Queens product Jon Daniels is no longer being considered to replace Omar Minaya as Mets' GM, and all indications are that the team expects to choose between Sandy Alderson …

Nats bring back manager Riggleman for 2011  —  As expected, Jim Riggleman will be at the helm of the Washington Nationals in 2011.  General manager Mike Rizzo officially made the announcement on Tuesday.  —  MLB.com previously reported in late September that Riggleman would return to his current position as manager next season.

Jackson voted AL's top rookie by peers  —  DETROIT — Tigers center fielder and leadoff man Austin Jackson won his second American League rookie honor in just over a week, this time winning the vote of his fellow Major Leaguers for AL Outstanding Rookie in the Players Choice Awards.

Red Sox announce ticket prices for 2011  —  The Red Sox issued a press release announcing ticket prices for the 2011 season.  The team said that ticket prices in 16 categories of seats would remain the same, while approximately 30 percent of seats will be increased by no more than $5 a ticket.

Joe Girardi not ready to put DH tag on Jorge Posada; Brian Cashman admits Vazquez-Johnson gaffe  —  Jorge Posada is the only member of the Core Four with a contract for 2011, but how he'll fulfill that contract remains to be seen.  —  Posada, who turned 39 in August, started only 78 games behind …

Source: Red Sox to talk to Curt Young  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox intend to interview Curt Young, who just cut ties with the Oakland Athletics after seven years as pitching coach, a club source told ESPNBoston.com.  —  He would appear to fit the profile of what the Sox are seeking in a replacement for John Farrell.

Duncan's new deal puts him at the top  —  The Cardinals formally cemented all but one position within their coaching staff Monday, reaching agreement with pitching coach Dave Duncan on a two-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2013 and with four others on one-year arrangements.

Tim Wallach out of Brewers mix  —  PHOENIX — Tim Wallach has been told by the Milwaukee Brewers that he is no longer a candidate for their managerial vacancy, a development that all but assures Wallach will be the third-base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.